Things To Do Today In London: Friday 22 November 2019

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The Hampton Court Palace ice rink opens today

Things to do

ENCHANTED WOODLAND: If you go down to the woods today... you'll be met with dozens of colourful lights. Syon Park's Enchanted Woodland — one of London's original light festivals — is a family-friendly trail through west London woodland, with floodlights, strobes and lasers lighting the way. Syon Park, £10-£12, book ahead, 22-24 November (and next weekend too)

CHRISTMAS FAIR: 100 stalls, Santa's grotto and a craft area are all part of Chelsea Physic Garden's Christmas fair, which begins today and runs all weekend. Wander through the garden browsing knitwear, jewellery, homewares and more, and finish up in the cafe, where festive food and drink is available. Chelsea Physic Garden, from £7, book ahead, 22-24 November

ESPRESSO MARTINI FESTIVAL: London's Espresso Martini Society (real group — how do we join?) is back with a Christmas-themed festival celebrating the cocktail. Sup on variations of the caffeinated concoction, such as marshmallow, gingerbread and Ferrero Rocher variations. KO Coffee (King's Cross), £25, book ahead, 22 November-14 December (Fridays and Saturdays)

The espresso martini gets a festive makeover

ICE RINK: Done all the central London ice rinks? Head out west to Hampton Court Palace, where the ice is unveiled today. Skate in front of Henry VIII's impressive palace, with a cafe bar running alongside for anyone who wants to watch, or for post-skate refreshments. Hampton Court Palace, from £16.20 adult/£11.20 child, book ahead, 22 November-5 January

MILITARY COMMAND: Professor Anthony King compares recent military command to that in previous battles. He looks at how army commanders made decisions in the recent campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, compared to examples from the 20th century. National Army Museum (Chelsea), free, book ahead, 11.30am

LUNCHTIME CONCERT: Ditch your usual lunch plans, and take your sandwiches to Bishopsgate Institute and enjoy a free concert while you eat. South London musician Kwake Bass is today’s performer, playing a drums and electronic programme of music. Bishopsgate Institute (Liverpool Street), free, just turn up, 1pm

It's the second weekend of Syon Park's Enchanted Woodland

ILLUMINATED RIVER: Noticed that the bridges in central London lit up in bright colours? Hear from Leo Villareal, the artist behind the Illuminated River project, about his inspiration for the first four completed bridges, and the plans for the next ones. He's introduced by the Dean, Andrew Nunn. Southwark Cathedral, £10/£5, book ahead, 6pm-7pm

LONDON CALLING: Hop in a time machine back to the London of 1979 in a panel discussion inspired by the current The Clash exhibition. Curator Beatrice Behlen leads artists, writers and musicians in a talk about the social and political landscape of the time. Museum of London, £15/£10, book ahead, 6.30pm

SKATE LATES: Stay late on the ice at Somerset House as Hot Chip's Joe Goddard takes to the DJ decks. The Skate Lounge, Bailey's Treat Bar and Fortnum's Lodge all stay open too, offering pre- and post- skate refreshment from hot drinks to special cocktails. Somerset House, from £17, book ahead, 8pm

Comedian Sofie Hagen performs in Blackheath

SOFIE HAGEN: Comedian Sofie Hagen brings her Bumswing Tour to Blackheath, in which she spins an accidental trip to Swansea into comedy gold. We caught the show in Soho in September — here's our review. Blackheath Halls, £15, book ahead, 8pm

EUROVISION CLUB NIGHT: No, we've not lost the plot. It's November, and a Eurovision club night is taking place in north London. Dance the night away to the best tracks from the history of the singing competition. The Chapel Bar (Angel), £7.50, book ahead, 10pm

Tube ponderings with Barry Heck

Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.

Looky here, a tube map showing the major London clubs, as represented by collectors' cards of star players of yesteryear. Its the creation of Derek Hammond and Gary Silke, whose book The Got, Not Got Football Gift Book is full of quirky memorabilia from the 20th century. Follow the link for one unusual item from all the main local clubs.

Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.

Good cause of the day

Book ahead for Tuesday's fundraising feast in aid of Action Against Hunger. Tuck into a three-course meal of special collaboration dishes, and take part in a raffle. Find out more and book tickets.

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